Check Out How You Can Appreciate Your Spouse

We continued to explore the issue and brainstorm remedies. This is a problem I see often in counseling. I hear many states that they don’t feel valued or appreciated, often to the discouragement of their mate who believes they are showing value. What is the problem? What are the solutions to this problem?

Here are a few ideas to consider and remedies to explore:

First, share with one another how you want to be loved and valued. We all want to be loved in different ways, and valued in very specific and individualized ways. Share with one another exactly how you want to be loved and valued. Understand that your mate cannot read your mind or know exactly what you want.

Second, be specific in your requests. Be specific in what you ask for. It is not effective to be vague in your requests. For example, saying “I want to be loved more,” is not specific. Saying “I want you to spend quality time with me every evening” is more specific. Saying “I want you to sit and talk to me for half an hour every evening” is even more specific.

Third, clarify feelings and the importance of them. It is important to share feelings as well. Sharing that you feel unimportant, unloved, or devalued is an important aspect of communication. Encourage your mate to empathize with your feelings. Add this to your specific requests.

Fourth, evaluate progress. Set a time to evaluate progress on your goals. Agree at the beginning that you will sit down together every week or two to determine how you are both doing at meeting each other’s needs.

Finally, appreciate steps of progress. Honor steps of improvement. We all want to be recognized for the efforts we make. Ensure that you are noticing the efforts of your mate and honoring their progress.